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TheWashington State Liquor Control Boardon Wednesday approved the proposed rules that, if ultimately enacted, will help govern the state’s system of producing, processing and retailing recreational marijuana.

The 42-page, single-spaced rules detail the requirements for participating in Washington’s system, according to a liquor board media release.

Here is the release:

“Public safety is our top priority,” said Board Chair Sharon Foster. “These rules fulfill the public expectation of creating a tightly regulated and controlled system while providing reasonable access to participation in the market.”

The foundation for the rule-making began soon after the November 2012 passage of Initiative 502. The board held eight public forums statewide that drew more than 3,000 attendees, 11 internal teams performed staff work ranging from research to policy recommendations, and individual board members and staff presented at dozens of public and trade events to listen and communicate status. Most recently, on May 16, the board publicly issued its initial draft seeking comment by June 10, 2013.

“While the overall response to our initial draft was quite positive,” continued Foster, “we received quality input from local governments, law enforcement, industry members, the prevention community and many others that we incorporated and further improved the rules.”

Key Public Safety Elements

Public safety is the top priority of the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

Public hearings on the proposed rules are being scheduled in four locations across Washington August 6-8. The locations are tentatively scheduled for Olympia, Seattle-area, Ellensburg and Spokane. The WSLCB will soon post the dates and locations on its website at www.liq.wa.gov.

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